sMater

Cardiovascular disease remains one of Australia’s leading causes of death — and general practice sits at the heart of prevention, early detection and timely escalation. In this Heart Week episode of sMater , host Jillian Whiting and GP specialist Dr Maria Boulton are joined by Dr Nick Aroney, interventional and structural cardiologist at Mater, to unpack what frontline clinicians need to know righ...

What’s really driving Australia’s worst flu seasons—and what can clinicians do now? As Queensland heads into flu season, Professor Paul Griffin returns to sMater to unpack what’s new in influenza prevention and protection. From updated vaccines targeting subclade K, to FluMist—the new needle‑free nasal spray vaccine for children—this episode covers what clinicians need to know right now. You’ll al...

Gallbladder disease is one of the most common reasons for abdominal pain presentations in general practice — but managing gallstones, gallbladder polyps and incidental findings isn’t always straightforward. In this episode of sMater, a podcast by clinicians for clinicians, hosts Jillian Whiting and Dr Maria Boulton are joined by Mater Hepatobiliary Surgeon Dr Harsheet Sethi to unpack the latest ev...

On the latest episode of sMater, we explore the complex and often misunderstood journey of ovarian cancer through the powerful story of patient Margaret Gooch — and the expertise of Mater Gynaecological Oncologist Dr Nim Cabraal. Margaret shares her deeply personal diagnosis journey, from vague abdominal symptoms and a winding path to answers, through surgery, chemotherapy, HIPEC, and life-changin...

In this episode of sMater, we explore endometriosis and the innovative role Botox can play in managing chronic pain. Mater Private Hospital Brisbane Gynaecologist Dr Albert Jung shares his expertise on why endometriosis rates are rising, conventional treatment options, and how pelvic floor Botox injections are helping patients with refractory pain.  He also explains the science behind Botox therap...

In this episode of sMater, Orthopaedic Surgeon A/Prof Mike Reid explores the rise of knee injuries in sport—especially among women and weekend warriors.  From ACL reconstructions to meniscus preservation, A/Prof Reid shares expert insights on diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and the future of orthopedic surgery including robotics and meniscal transplants. GP Education activity log:  - Podcast title...

In this episode of sMater , patient Clemence Thompson shares her personal journey through breast cancer care at Mater , offering insights from diagnosis to recovery. Clem reflects on the care, compassion, and clinical excellence that shaped her experience — reminding us of the human impact behind every treatment plan. Whether you're a medical practitioner, nurse, allied health professional, o...

This week, we have a new episode of sMater featuring Dr Cathy Franklin and Dr James McAuliffe from the Queensland Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability and Autism Health.  The episode explores the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the lifespan and highlights Mater’s newly established Centre of Excellence, an integrated clinical and research hub that supports patients...

In this episode of sMater, Mater Neurosurgeon Dr Martin Wood discusses robotic-assisted spine surgery and how it is transforming outcomes by enabling minimally invasive procedures and improving surgical precision. He highlights what GPs should look for when referring patients and how this technology is expanding access and reshaping care for patients across Queensland. #smater #mater #neurosurgery...

In this episode of sMater, Professor Aileen McGonigal, from Mater’s Epilepsy Unit, discusses the groundbreaking Australian Epilepsy Project—set to be the world’s largest epilepsy study.  Discover how cutting-edge imaging, genetics, and AI are transforming diagnosis and treatment, and why GPs and clinicians across Australia should tune in. To learn more about Mater, visit https://www.mater.org.au/

In this week's episode of sMater, psychiatrist Dr James McAuliffe unpacks the evolving landscape of ADHD—from childhood to adulthood—and the growing role of GPs in diagnosis and care. Tune in for practical insights and strategies to better support our patients. GP Education activity log: - Podcast title - sMater: ADHD diagnosis and care - Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd - Date published –...

As part of Refugee Week, Clinical Director of Mater Refugee Complex Care Clinic Dr Rebecca Farley joins sMater to delve into the complex nature of refugee health, from how to treat new arrivals to the importance of creating a safe and trusted space for patients and their families. GP Education activity log:  - Podcast title - sMater: Refugee health - Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd  - Date publ...

Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, with approximately 280 new diagnoses each week.  This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Mater Private Hospital Redland gastroenterologist Dr Nadia Maqboul joins sMater to talk about the prevalence, latest research on risk factors, as well as the importance of the Bowel Cancer Screening Program.  GP Education activity log:   Podcast t...

This week on sMater, Mater Director of Infectious Diseases Prof Paul Griffin joins us to talk about RSV, COVID and influenza. He shares invaluable insights on vaccination rates, evolving virus strains and what the future holds.  GP Education activity log:   - Podcast title - sMater: RSV, long COVID and influenza - Provider - Mater Misericordiae Ltd   - Date published – 30 May 2025 Certificate of c...

Women's health is now a "national priority".  There is now a clear focus on improving access to menopause therapies, contraceptives and endometriosis and pelvic pain support.   This week on sMater, Mater Gynaecologist Dr Melanie Allan discusses the initiatives announced by @albomp and @jim_chalmers_mp, how it supports medical professionals, and the difference it will make to the liv...

The final episode in the three-part maternal fetal medicine series with Dr Glenn Gardener looks to the next frontier of complicated pregnancy treatments. The Director of the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine delves into emerging treatments for pregnant women with Rhesus disease, and the role of advanced technologies in driving non-invasive procedures in the future. To find out more about Ma...

This episode of the three-part mini-series with Dr Glenn Gardener delves into the success of in-utero spina bifida surgery at Mater's Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit. Dr Gardener successfully performed Australia's first in-utero surgery to correct a developing baby's spinal cord at Mater in 2016. Since then, more than 200 similar surgeries have been performed, reducing the risk of nerv...

The first of a three-part series featuring maternal fetal medicine specialist, Dr Glenn Gardener, this episode explores diagnosis and treatment of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. TTTS affects identical twins who share a placenta and carries a high risk of fetal death if left untreated. Dr Gardener, Director of the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, discusses diagnosis, treatments and pat...

On this episode of sMater, we discuss obesity in pregnancy with Dr Jinwen He, an obstetric medicine fellow at Mater Mothers’ Hospital. Jin provides advice on treating pregnant patients who are overweight or obese, and explores the increased risks during conception, pregnancy and the post-partum period for women with high BMIs. She also delves into the impacts of bariatric surgery on women who are...

In this episode of sMater, we speak with Mater Hospital Brisbane obstetric medicine fellow Dr Jolene Ng about asthma during pregnancy. With Australia having one of the highest rates of asthma in the world, Jolene explains the impact of this condition on mum and baby during pregnancy and the importance of managing symptoms. Note - May 2025: Dr Jolene Ng has relocated to Sydney and is no longer cons...

One in every five Queensland mothers experience perinatal mental health challenges in the first year after their baby's arrival.  In this episode of sMater, Dr Majella Henry delves into the factors that increase the risk of perinatal anxiety and depression and discusses new tools for diagnosing patients. References: Trends of perinatal mental health referrals and psychiatric admissions in Que...

Obstetric Physician and Nephrologist Dr Vishwas Raghunath has a wealth of experience in managing complex medical conditions in high-risk pregnancies. In this episode of sMater, Vish discusses hypertension, the most common medical problem encountered in pregnancy. From screening to management and preventative strategies, GPs can hear a range of approaches to ensuring mum and baby remain safe, from...

In this week's episode, Mater Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Georgia Heathcote takes a deep dive into trauma informed care, and the impact of a trauma response on physiological and mental health. Dr Heathcote is passionate about the establishment of universal precautions for trauma, and discusses the value of sympathetic nervous system therapy. GP Education activity log:  Podcast title - s...

On this episode of sMater, Dr Caroline Wilson discusses Venus Thromboembolism (VTE), which continues to be a leading cause of maternal death. As an obstetric physician and haematologist at Mater Hospital Brisbane, Caroline discusses risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for VTE during pregnancy. For more information on the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guideline, visit: g...

On this episode of sMater, Brisbane Infectious Diseases and Obstetric Medicine Physician Dr Jill Parkes-Smith warns the medical community of the rise in syphilis cases and the impacts of the disease on pregnant women and babies. Reported cases of syphilis in Queensland have increased nine-fold over the past two decades resulting in the death or stillbirth of 17 babies. ( Syphilis outbreak in Queen...